Irbesertan or commonly known as
Avapro is an angiotensin II antagonists drug.
This medicine has a blood pressure lowering effect, thus, improving the
flow of blood. This medication will take full effect when given synergistically
with other blood lowering therapy. The main component of Avapro which
irbesertan is crystalline powder that is off white in color. It is water
insoluble and is soluble to alcohol. This therapy is also used in diabetic
neuropathy. Avapro can be use or taken with full or empty stomach. The starting
dose of this drug is 150 mg to be taken once a day then titrating it to 300 mg
once a day. If the patient is suffering from neuropathy brought about by type 2
diabetes mellitus the recommended dose is 300 mg once a day. If hypertension is
not controlled by using Avapro alone then other therapeutic drug can also be
use to achieve synergistic effect. However, for the patient with volume and
salt depleted condition initial dose should be lower than the usual. Avapro 75
mg is the recommended initial dose for this type of patient.
Pregnant women are advice not to use
Avapro. If you have allergic or hypersensitivity reaction to irbesartan you
should not use this drug also. It is important to inform your doctor or health
care provider if you CHF or congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver
disease. Alcohol consumption is discouraged too when you are under this
therapy. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is also important. Rarely, Avapro
can cause kidney diseases. Prolonged usage of this medicine may lead to
overdose. Some of the symptoms showing overdose to this therapy are bradycardia
or slow heart beat, tachycardia or fast and rapid breathing, and hypotension.
A very important point to remember is
to take the medication as directed by the health care provider. It is okay to
take the missed dose of Avapro as long as it is not beyond 12 hour period. Skip
the dose if it goes beyond 12 hours, and then go back to your regular
therapeutic dose. This medication is not to be used by neonates
as this may lead to irreversible damage or even death. When you are pregnant,
stop taking Avapro the soonest possible time. Congenital defects have also been
reported by pregnant women taking Avapro.
Commonly reported side effects of taking Avapro are heart burn, swelling
in the lower extremity particularly in the ankles, heart burn, tiredness or
easy fatigability, diarrhea, and cough. Serious side effects prompting medical
attention are dysphagia, dyspnea, fainting, and swelling of the tongue or other
parts of the face and head, and hoarseness.
Store or keep Avapro away from light
and water. Protect the drug from humid environment. Keep the medicine always
out of children’s reach and strictly follow the usage leaflet and physician or
health care provider’s advice. Be
mindful also of the expiry date and do not forget to discard the medication
once it reached its maturity date. Discard the drug properly and safely.
